Martin Rowlands did his chances of winning further caps with Ireland no harm with his stunning winner in front of national team boss Giovanni Trappatoni.

But if nothing else, it reminded his team-mates of his value. Not even the missed penalty at Sheffield Wednesday in midweek will have harmed his reputation.

"With Rowly you know you're going to get 100 per cent every game and you're going to get quality as well, " Hogan Ephraim told the Gazette.

"That goal was just something special and if that didn't catch his [Trappatoni's] eye, not many things will.

"Last season Rowly was player of the year and this season when he's playing, we are a better team. Hopefully he can keep his form going and keep us bubbling as well.

"He's been here a long time. He's great with the lads. He gets involved with the banter and he's one of the main ones for it, but he can also be serious. He'll give players a rollicking if they need it and I think that's a good thing to have.

"Marty's been playing so well. He's had a few injuries but he's back now and he's everywhere for us. He's out wide, he's up front, he doesn't stop running and has a great engine on him."